Wheelchair Measurements Flashcards
Measuring Seat Width
Width of the patients hips at the widest part
- Add 1-2 inches to patients measurement
Measuring Seat Depth
Posterior buttock to posterior aspect of lower leg in the popliteal fossa
- Chair measurement: Subtract 2 inches from patients measurement
Potential problems with a seat depth that is too long?
- Compromise posterior knee circulation
- Kyphotic posture
- Posterior pelvic tilt and sacral sitting
Leg Length/seat to foot plate length measurement?
From bottom of shoe to just below the thigh in the popliteal fossa.
(When seat cushion is present must be subtracted from patients measurement)
Potential problems with excessive leg length?
- Sacral sitting
- Sliding forward in chair
Potential problems with inadequate leg length?
- Uneven weight distribution on thigh
- Increased weight on ischial seat
Seat Height Measurements?
Minimum clearance between floor and the footplate is 2 inches. (Measured from the lowest point on bottom of foot plate)
(Add 2 inches to patient leg length measurement)
Armrest Height Measurement?
From seat platform to just below elbow at 90 degrees (seat to elbow)
Chair Measurement: Add 1 inch
Back height measurement? What to do if there is a seat cushion?
From seat plate to inferior angle of the scapula (typically)
- If using seat cushion, cushion height must be added to patients measurement
Standard Wheelchair Dimensions Seat Width x Depth x Height: Adult
Width: 18
Depth: 16
Height: 20
Standard Wheelchair Dimensions Seat Width x Depth x Height: Adult Narrow
Width: 16
Depth: 16
Height: 20
Standard Wheelchair Dimensions Seat Width x Depth x Height: Adult Slim
Width: 14
Depth: 16
Height: 20
Seat height typical for Hemi/Low-Seat
17.5 inches
Seat height typical for children?
18.75 inches
